If you’re craving a fresh, tangy, and utterly delicious boost for your salads, look no further than this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fragrant oregano, infused with just the right hint of garlic and a touch of honey for balance. Every spoonful adds that classic Mediterranean flair, brightening up not only salads but also grilled veggies and chicken with its bright, herby notes. This dressing is simple to make but rich in flavor, turning everyday greens into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating a dressing that brings a perfect harmony of flavors and textures to your salads. Each one is chosen to enhance the classic Greek taste, delivering zest, herbaceous depth, and a silky finish.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: The heart of the dressing, rich and smooth, providing healthy fats and a luscious base.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a lively tang that balances the oil perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing for a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that iconic, earthy Greek herb flavor that defines this dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a gentle garlic undertone without overpowering the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the dressing pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Provides a subtle sweetness to soften the sharp edges if desired.
How to Make Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start with a clean jar or a medium bowl, and pour in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and if you like a touch of sweetness, the honey. Whisk or shake everything vigorously until the mixture is well blended and slightly thickened. This step ensures all the flavors meld beautifully together.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Give your dressing a taste test. This is your chance to customize the balance—feel free to add a pinch more salt for seasoning, a crack more black pepper for spice, or a tiny drizzle of honey if you’d like it a bit sweeter. It’s all about getting it just right for your palate.
Step 3: Store it Properly
Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer your Greek Salad Dressing Recipe to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep fresh and vibrant for up to a week. Always give it a good shake before each use, as the ingredients naturally separate over time.
How to Serve Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
After drizzling this luscious dressing over your salad, consider adding fresh shreds of feta cheese, sliced Kalamata olives, or even some chopped fresh parsley or mint for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. These garnishes compliment the dressing’s Mediterranean roots perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dressing shines when paired with classic Greek staples like warm pita bread, grilled lamb or chicken skewers, and roasted vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant. It adds a delightful zest that elevates every bite of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t limit this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe to just salads. Use it as a marinade for fish or chicken, drizzle it over grain bowls filled with quinoa and chickpeas, or even toss roasted potatoes in it for a flavorful twist. Serving it in a small dipping bowl alongside fresh veggies for a party is always a hit too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Greek Salad Dressing in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, becoming even more harmonious. Just remember to shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Freezing
This dressing doesn’t freeze well because the olive oil can separate and change texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here! Simply bring your dressing to room temperature if it becomes too thick in the fridge and give it a good shake or stir before using it again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano can add a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but you’ll want to use about three times the amount of fresh as dried to achieve the same intensity.
Is honey necessary in the Greek Salad Dressing Recipe?
Honey is optional and used to balance acidity with a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a more tangy dressing, feel free to skip it.
How long does this dressing last in the fridge?
Properly stored, this Greek Salad Dressing Recipe stays fresh for up to one week. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using.
Can I substitute red wine vinegar?
Yes, you can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as alternatives, but red wine vinegar gives the dressing its characteristic rich tang that’s hard to replicate exactly.
Is this dressing suitable for vegans?
Yes, the basic Greek Salad Dressing Recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just omit the honey and use a plant-based sweetener if you want to keep it sweet.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Greek Salad Dressing Recipe to brighten your meals and bring a little sunshine from the Mediterranean to your table. It’s fast, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-have in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever dressed a salad without it. Give it a whirl and savor every vibrant, tangy drop—it’s pure magic!
Print
Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad Dressing
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This classic Greek salad dressing offers a perfectly balanced blend of tangy red wine vinegar, smooth olive oil, and aromatic herbs. Enhanced with Dijon mustard and a touch of honey, it delivers a flavorful dressing ideal for fresh salads or Mediterranean dishes. Easy to whisk up and store, it’s a versatile condiment to keep on hand.
Ingredients
Greek Salad Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and honey until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and modify the seasoning as desired by adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Store and Use: Transfer the dressing to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to one week. Shake well before each use to recombine the ingredients.
Notes
- Shake the dressing well before each use as the ingredients may separate upon sitting.
- For a vegan option, omit honey or substitute with maple syrup.
- This dressing pairs well with traditional Greek salad components such as cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor if preferred.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
